Centers To Offer Free Lunches For Children This Summer

Orange County youngsters who depend on the National School Lunch Program for a daily meal free or at a reduced price during the school year also will have meals available this summer.

The Orange County Department of Community Affairs will begin its annual summer food service program Monday, offering free breakfast or lunch at recreation and community centers for young people 18 and younger who qualify.

The program will continue until Aug. 17. Stewart Sandwich Co. of Orlando will provide the meals.

Centers in low-income areas will offer the meals to children within their area and those enrolled for the free or reduced-price meals during the school year.

Youngsters do not have to be a member of a center to get a meal.

Meals will be offered five days a week, said Ella Gilmore, department manager and program coordinator.

Distribution times will vary among centers, she said. Breakfast will begin at about 8 a.m. and will include cereal, milk and juice. Lunch, including a sandwich, juice, milk and fruit, will be served about 11 a.m.

Some centers also may serve snacks and provide a game for the children to play, she said.